Pittsburgh City Council incumbents win easily, 2 new members to replace outgoing councilmen

Pittsburgh City Council incumbents running for reelection Tuesday cruised to easy victories, and two newcomers won seats replacing outgoing councilmen, according to unofficial results.

Council members Bobby Wilson, D-North Side, and Barb Warwick, D-Greenfield, did not face Republican challengers in their reelection bids, while Deb Gross, D-Highland Park, collected 79.4% of the votes cast to defeat independent candidate James Miller, the tallies showed.

Bob Charland, a Democrat from the South Side Flats, won an uncontested race to replace Councilman Bruce Kraus, who is set to retire at the end of his current term. Charland now serves as Kraus’ chief of staff.

During his campaign, Charland said he wanted to work to improve cleanliness in his council district and maintain the bustling entertainment district on East Carson Street.

Coming in 2024! @kharimosley pic.twitter.com/7Qu2iuBnOE

— Bob Charland (@CharlandBob) November 8, 2023

Khari Mosley, a Democrat from North Point Breeze, will replace retiring Councilman Ricky Burgess, D-Point Breeze, after winning his uncontested race. Mosley, political director of the local advocacy group 1Hood Media, said during his campaign that he wanted to work to improve community engagement, bolster affordable housing, redevelop business districts and address root causes of crime and violence.

“I am honored and proud to be chosen by the voters to serve as their representative on City Council,” Mosley wrote on social media Tuesday night. “I look forward to working with you in every neighborhood to transform our city into a place we all can be proud of for generations to come.”

I am honored and proud to be chosen by the voters to serve as their representative on City Council. I look forward to working with you in every neighborhood to transform our city into a place we all can be proud of
for generations to come. pic.twitter.com/OL6eTKw2nl

— kharimosley (@kharimosley) November 8, 2023

Council members will be sworn in on Jan. 8.

In Pittsburgh’s only other municipal race Tuesday, Deputy Controller Rachel Heisler won an uncontested race for city controller. Incumbent Controller Michael Lamb did not seek reelection.